"As comedians, we’re constantly treading the fine line between humor and offending someone, but that’s where growth happens."
Honestly, my journey into comedy wasn’t planned. I was working in advertising and then as a scriptwriter for television. Comedy happened when I realized that storytelling and humor were my strengths. I wanted to experiment with stand-up, and the first time I got on stage, the audience’s laughter sealed the deal for me. It’s been a whirlwind ever since. Over time, what began as an experiment evolved into a full-fledged career that I am deeply passionate about.
Q. Did you face any particular challenges as a woman entering the comedy scene?
Oh, absolutely! Comedy in India was very male-dominated when I started. There were constant stereotypes to battle, like the idea that women can’t be funny. I’ve also had to deal with people questioning the kind of humor I do. For instance, if I talk about women’s issues or relationships, it’s branded as “women’s comedy.” But comedy is comedy, irrespective of the subject. I’ve learned to take these challenges in stride and use them as material for my sets. (Laughs) It’s also been rewarding to see how the audience’s mindset has started shifting over the years. More women in the audience come up to me after shows and say they feel seen.
Q. Your humor often touches on everyday life, societal norms, and stereotypes. How do you pick your topics?
I’ve always believed that the best comedy comes from truth. I look at what’s happening around me—be it gender dynamics, cultural quirks, or even my own life experiences. For instance, I’ve talked about being an “aunty” in comedy or the amusing situations we face as Indians abroad. The key is to find a relatable thread and add a twist of humor. My family and friends also serve as a goldmine for content. They’re constantly giving me fodder for jokes without even realizing it!
Q. Your international performances have received widespread acclaim. How does the audience’s response differ outside India?
Performing internationally is always a fascinating experience. Non-Indian audiences love hearing about Indian culture through a humorous lens, while Indian audiences abroad enjoy the nostalgia and relatability. However, some jokes require a bit of context when performing for a global audience, as they may not immediately understand regional references. It’s a fun challenge to adapt while staying authentic. I also love the diversity of international audiences—it’s exciting to see how universal some jokes are, while others offer a chance to introduce people to uniquely Indian humor.
Q. What’s your take on the evolving comedy landscape in India?
It’s been amazing to see the growth of stand-up comedy in India. There’s a much wider audience now, thanks to platforms like YouTube and OTT services. More diverse voices are coming forward, and comedy is being recognized as a legitimate art form. That said, we’re still navigating sensitivities and censorship. As comedians, we’re constantly treading the fine line between humor and offending someone. However, it’s heartening to see younger audiences especially being more open-minded and receptive to different styles of comedy.
Q. You’ve also dabbled in screenwriting and acting. How do you balance these with stand-up?
It’s all about prioritizing. Stand-up is my first love, but screenwriting lets me explore longer narratives, and acting pushes me out of my comfort zone. The beauty is that these fields complement each other. Writing scripts helps me structure my stand-up sets better, and performing stand-up makes me more comfortable in front of the camera. I believe that wearing multiple hats as a creative person enriches my overall storytelling—whether I’m on stage, behind the scenes, or in front of the camera.
Q. What has been the most memorable moment in your career so far?
There have been so many! But one moment that stands out is performing for Indian soldiers at the Indo-China border. It was incredibly humbling and rewarding to bring smiles to the faces of those who sacrifice so much for our country. Another memorable instance was my debut solo special. Seeing a packed auditorium and hearing the applause at the end was surreal. Moments like these remind me why I do what I do.
Q. What advice would you give to aspiring comedians?
Get on stage as much as possible—there’s no substitute for live experience. Comedy is about timing, and that only comes with practice. Don’t be afraid to fail; bombing on stage is part of the process. Also, find your own voice instead of trying to imitate someone else. Authenticity is what audiences connect with. Finally, be patient. Comedy is not an overnight success story; it takes years of hard work and perseverance.
Oh, absolutely! Comedy in India was very male-dominated when I started. There were constant stereotypes to battle, like the idea that women can’t be funny. I’ve also had to deal with people questioning the kind of humor I do. For instance, if I talk about women’s issues or relationships, it’s branded as “women’s comedy.” But comedy is comedy, irrespective of the subject. I’ve learned to take these challenges in stride and use them as material for my sets. (Laughs) It’s also been rewarding to see how the audience’s mindset has started shifting over the years. More women in the audience come up to me after shows and say they feel seen.
Q. Your humor often touches on everyday life, societal norms, and stereotypes. How do you pick your topics?
I’ve always believed that the best comedy comes from truth. I look at what’s happening around me—be it gender dynamics, cultural quirks, or even my own life experiences. For instance, I’ve talked about being an “aunty” in comedy or the amusing situations we face as Indians abroad. The key is to find a relatable thread and add a twist of humor. My family and friends also serve as a goldmine for content. They’re constantly giving me fodder for jokes without even realizing it!
Q. Your international performances have received widespread acclaim. How does the audience’s response differ outside India?
Performing internationally is always a fascinating experience. Non-Indian audiences love hearing about Indian culture through a humorous lens, while Indian audiences abroad enjoy the nostalgia and relatability. However, some jokes require a bit of context when performing for a global audience, as they may not immediately understand regional references. It’s a fun challenge to adapt while staying authentic. I also love the diversity of international audiences—it’s exciting to see how universal some jokes are, while others offer a chance to introduce people to uniquely Indian humor.
Q. What’s your take on the evolving comedy landscape in India?
It’s been amazing to see the growth of stand-up comedy in India. There’s a much wider audience now, thanks to platforms like YouTube and OTT services. More diverse voices are coming forward, and comedy is being recognized as a legitimate art form. That said, we’re still navigating sensitivities and censorship. As comedians, we’re constantly treading the fine line between humor and offending someone. However, it’s heartening to see younger audiences especially being more open-minded and receptive to different styles of comedy.
Q. You’ve also dabbled in screenwriting and acting. How do you balance these with stand-up?
It’s all about prioritizing. Stand-up is my first love, but screenwriting lets me explore longer narratives, and acting pushes me out of my comfort zone. The beauty is that these fields complement each other. Writing scripts helps me structure my stand-up sets better, and performing stand-up makes me more comfortable in front of the camera. I believe that wearing multiple hats as a creative person enriches my overall storytelling—whether I’m on stage, behind the scenes, or in front of the camera.
Q. What has been the most memorable moment in your career so far?
There have been so many! But one moment that stands out is performing for Indian soldiers at the Indo-China border. It was incredibly humbling and rewarding to bring smiles to the faces of those who sacrifice so much for our country. Another memorable instance was my debut solo special. Seeing a packed auditorium and hearing the applause at the end was surreal. Moments like these remind me why I do what I do.
Q. What advice would you give to aspiring comedians?
Get on stage as much as possible—there’s no substitute for live experience. Comedy is about timing, and that only comes with practice. Don’t be afraid to fail; bombing on stage is part of the process. Also, find your own voice instead of trying to imitate someone else. Authenticity is what audiences connect with. Finally, be patient. Comedy is not an overnight success story; it takes years of hard work and perseverance.
Q. Finally, what’s next for you? Any exciting projects in the pipeline?
I’m working on a few exciting things—a new stand-up special and some collaborative projects in the digital space. I’m also experimenting with longer storytelling formats, so fingers crossed, you’ll see some of that soon. Stay tuned! I’m also exploring ways to mentor upcoming comedians, as I believe it’s important to give back to the community.
BIO :
Neeti Palta is one of India’s leading stand-up comedians, known for her sharp wit and relatable humor. With a background in advertising and screenwriting, she transitioned to comedy, tackling topics like gender dynamics, cultural quirks, and everyday absurdities. Neeti has performed internationally, bringing Indian humor to global audiences. She was the first Indian woman to perform at Melbourne’s Comedy Festival and is celebrated for breaking stereotypes in the male-dominated comedy scene. Her engaging storytelling continues to inspire laughter worldwide.
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